Kitchen

[LisaMofSLC]

I really like the idea of cast iron cookware, especially in a braiser and dutch over. I love the CE set for $90, but this past weekend, after people telling me I should check at TJ Maxx, I did just that. Beautiful single pieces (no matched sets available), so I bent to pick up a dutch oven. Good grief, it was so heavy! The lid fell off and made an embarassing clanging noise. I still love the idea of having a piece or two, but if they're that heavy without food in it, how does anyone even move them, let alone wash them. LOL Maybe I'm just  too old?

[CamilleP]

Sestra, I think it's a matter of getting used to it.  When I got my first LeCreuset I also thought it was so heavy I'd never use it.  Now I use it (small oval Dutch oven) and much larger LC vessels all the time, and I'm quite used to the weight.  I recently bought a Zakarian cast iron skillet with the ceramic non-stick interior, the 10" size, and I use that sucker all the time, I love it!  I think we have all gotten so accustomed to the aluminum and steel pans with coatings on them that when we first get cast iron, we cringe.  Just make sure you have hot pan holders that you can get a good grip on the handles of the pans, and start using your new Dutch oven, and pretty soon you will hardly notice the extra weight, because you will be so happy with the results.  Oh, and I'm in my 60's, no spring chicken!

[Mz iMac]

I have 2 "old school" cast iron frying pans, large & small that are older than dirt.

You do not really "wash" them once you "season" cast iron.  Just wipe them down.

Because of the weight, I only use mine to fry eggs, fish & chicken and make pancakes & omletts.

[software]

You don't say what size or what you will use it for.

I have a fairly big cast iron skillet but I don't use it every day.

I want to purchase a small - 4 or 5 quart - enameled cast iron dutch oven for baking bread.   I'd also like to use it for slow cooking too.    So I won't be using it every day.

If you tried to pick up an 8 quart, I understand, they are heavy.

You might want to start with a small one.

Sam's Club has a pack of 2 - 4 qt & 7qt for $60

[blackhole99]

I just read some where online that you can indeed wash old school cast iron pots& pans with mild soap and hot water and do not need to re-season. I have washed my cast iron for years and as long as I dry it and wipe the inside of it down with oil it's good. Cast iron is heavy though.IMO and in old school black cast iron you shouldn't cook anything acidic, like tomato sauce, I didn't realize that and have been making chili in my dutch over for years.

[Toot1920]

@LisaMofSLC, one thing that I have found is that Le Creuset is not heavy as a lot of the others. It’s still heavy but it’s lighter than others. I have a 2.75 qt. and a 4.5 qt. I bought one from QVC and the other at a Le Creuset outlet store. I got rid of a 3qt.  Food Network one and a 5qt. Cook’s Companion. I was very surprised on the difference in weight. I, also, bought a Geoffrey Zakarian 12” pan non stick cast iron. I’m amazed, it really is non stick and easy to clean. All of mine are enameled cast iron and are pretty easy to clean. 

[Sooner]

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@LisaMofSLC wrote:

I really like the idea of cast iron cookware, especially in a braiser and dutch over. I love the CE set for $90, but this past weekend, after people telling me I should check at TJ Maxx, I did just that. Beautiful single pieces (no matched sets available), so I bent to pick up a dutch oven. Good grief, it was so heavy! The lid fell off and made an embarassing clanging noise. I still love the idea of having a piece or two, but if they're that heavy without food in it, how does anyone even move them, let alone wash them. LOL Maybe I'm just  too old?

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@LisaMofSLC  Maybe one would "pump you up!"  You are probably too young to remember that!  LOL!!!

[ECBG]

@LisaMofSLCThey are VERY heavy.  I have a giant frying pan I use to simmer on top of the stove and I pick it up very carefully.  A full Dutch Oven would probably have to be picked up by DH.

[loriqvc]

If anyone is searching for an enameled cast iron dutch oven and you happen to have a Kroger's/Smith's/King Sooper's in your area, check the housewares section—I just picked up a gorgeous red six-quart beauty (black was also available) for the ultra-low sale price of $24.99! A friend of mine has been wanting a dutch oven and I know she'll think I spent way too much for it. 

I have a fabulous enameled cast iron dutch oven from QVC's discontinued Technique line that is going strong after many years of use. I wish that line would come back; I have so many great pieces from it...

[BirkiLady]

Like some of the previous posters, I also love my inherited black cast irons pots and pans. Unfortunately, my stove/oven is almost 30 years old and probably going to bite the dust in the near future. I do not want a glass top stove! Not willing to give up cooking with those wonderful cast iron pieces from my grandmother and mom. Food tastes so much better when prepared in cast iron! 

Has anyone else encountered this problem yet? Are drop-in stoves with burners still available? Afraid replacing my stove may involve an entire costly redo.